For: The Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt
So I’ve been challenged by some new terminology. A new term that adds deep meaning to a concept / title that has somewhat been worn out, or misunderstood over the years.
Worship Artisan
A term suggested by Dan Wilt that is meant to bring new understanding to the idea of a ‘worship leader.’ * Unlike the term “leader” (which simply means a person who leads a group of people), the term ‘artisan’ brings new nuances. An artisan is a person who is trained in their skill. An artisan is a person who has been apprenticed, who has learned from the skills of generations past, and who can place themselves in a long line of history. An artisan is someone who understands the pursuit of excellence, and who continually works to become better at their trade.
When you bring this concept in connection with worship, a whole new understanding can be derived. For a worship artisan is someone who is skilled in worship. They have (and are in the process of) taking time to learn about worship: learning about the God we worship, learning from the past communities who have worshipped (the church through ages). They have (and are in the process) of practicing worship in all areas of life.
I love this concept. In fact it greatly reminds me of the teaching of Stanley Hauwerwas, as it shifts the focus off of behaviour (action) to that of character formation.
For to be a worship leader, is to be a person who behaves and takes the action of a leader.
But to be a worship artisan is to be a person who is being formed into a better worshipper.
This is a HUGE transition of thought. It shifts the focus off of what we do, and onto who we are becoming. It shifts us from thinking about something that occurs at a particular point in time (ie. Sunday morning), to thinking about a continual journey that permeates all we do. And it shifts us from thinking about an action that can be accomplished, to thinking about a skill that can continually be developed.
To be a worship artisan takes time. To be a worship artisan takes dedication. And to be a worship artisan takes vulnerability. It requires that for an individual to study, to learn, to converse with others, to practice, and to fail.
And when you think about it that way, the term ‘worship artisan’ may not be all that popular to the masses. Why? Because it’s hard. It’s not for the lazy. It’s not for someone who is looking for quick success, or quick results. It is not short term, it is a commitment.
But I know that the new lingo is something that I’ll readily adopt. It is a term that begs for definition, and that begs for conversation. And conversation about the formation of character, the formation of a worshipper, is something that I can’t shy away from.
I do see my role as worship artisan as a life long journey. I am called to be formed more and more in the likeness of my Maker. More and more into the likeness of my Saviour. Therefore I am called to go deeper and further in my understanding and practice of worship. It is a journey that I happy to continue in.
* Dan Wilt, The Rise of the Worship Artisan, available at http://www.danwilt.com/the-rise-of-the-worship-artisan-2/, accessed Oct. 10, 2008.
Stanley Hauwerwas, http://www.bigbrother.net/%7Emugwump/Hauerwas/
Krista…. I am totally captured by this idea of the worship artisan as well. I find that I need a new way to view this thing I do called “worship leading” because it so much focuses on what we do instead of who we are…. just like you said in your post!
I love the passion that you have for this life-long journey of following God and pursuing to be better at your craft. You challenge me that as excited as I am about being an artisan of worship that it is not a journey for the faint at heart. I must be committed to this call and also be willing to give voice to what this looks like by the way I lead others in worship.
Thanks for your thoughts
Anabeth